Although Florida is not the state most commonly associated with fall foliage, it may be seen here as well.
In Florida, the leaves begin to turn in mid-to-late October, but they can arrive as late as mid-November. Most people equate changing colors with chilly weather. In actuality, the shorter days and longer nights initiate a metabolic process in the leaf.
Chlorophyll, which is required for photosynthesis, is constantly created and broken down during the summer, giving leaves their green hue. Chlorophyll production reduces when the days get shorter in the autumn. All of the chlorophyll is eventually eliminated, leaving behind nature’s brilliant autumnal palette.
Where to see fall foliage in Florida
In general, the further north you go, the prettier the fall colors will be.
Torreya State Park
This 13,735-acre state park is located along the Apalachicola River in the Florida Panhandle. The park, which is open daily beginning at 8 a.m. from sunrise to sunset, is called for the Torreya tree, the world’s most rare evergreen.
Three Rivers State Park
This Florida State Park is open 24 hours a day and is located on the beaches of Lake Seminole near the Georgia border. Hiking, fishing, and boating are among the activities available on the 686-acre property.
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
This 6,000-acre wildlife sanctuary in Wakulla County will transport you back in time. The park is roughly 30 minutes south of Tallahassee and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. to 5 p.m.
Suwannee River Park
This 1,800-acre park in Live Oak is open all year. There are sinks, streams, springs, and limestone outcroppings in the park. Along the riverfront, there are other Civil War-era structures.
Flying Eagle Preserve
Located in Inverness, the Flying Eagle Preserve is a 10,950-acre forest and wetland preserve. It is part of the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes and is surrounded by the Withlacoochee River. The preserve is made up of small lakes, marshes, and wetlands, as well as forest islands dispersed throughout.
According to the United States. The key contributors to the best fall colors are the Forest Service, temperature, and precipitation.
“A succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights seems to bring about the most spectacular color displays,” the agency explained.